Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activates state emergency response resources due to severe weather

HOUSTON — With severe weather hitting the Houston area and all across Texas on Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office activated its emergency response resources.

“Texas is prepared to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to severe weather threats,” Abbott said in a news release. “As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin traveling after the Christmas holiday, it’s crucial that everyone regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank all the emergency response personnel for their work this holiday week as they help their fellow Texans during these storms.”

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Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to get state resources ready to respond if necessary. Texas A&M Task Force 1 is on standby for water and land rescues. The activation also includes the Texas Department of State Health Services.

As for the Houston area, the main threat on Thursday was from strong wind, hail and an isolated tornado.

Wharton County officials said at least one tornado, possibly up to three, touched down as a strong line of storms moved through around 2 p.m. Thursday. They said there were no reports of injuries as of about 3:30 p.m. The entire Houston area was under a Tornado Watch until 7 p.m.

Make sure you have the KHOU 11 app downloaded with alerts turned on. If we do get severe weather warnings, we will send an alert to your phone.